Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Cut and Hull Strawberries
How do you cut strawberries? Rinse and dry them, remove the green tops by cutting a small cone around the stem (hulling), then halve, quarter or slice. A small, sharp paring knife is the right tool: the Dalstrong Shogun Series 3.75" Paring Knife ($99) has an 8–12° edge on a 62+ HRC AUS-10V core, so it slices soft berries without crushing them. The Gladiator 3.5" Paring Knife ($35) is a great budget pick.
How to hull a strawberry
- Hold the berry with the stem facing you.
- Insert the tip of a paring knife at an angle beside the stem.
- Rotate the berry to cut a small cone around the stem.
- Lift out the stem and white core.
Quick option: just slice off the top. You lose a little more fruit, but it's faster.
Cuts and uses
| Cut | How | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Halves | Through the tip | Fruit salads, snacks |
| Quarters | Halve, then halve again | Yogurt, oatmeal, kids |
| Slices | Lay on its side, slice thin | Shortcake, cakes, sandwiches |
| Fans | Thin slices from tip toward stem, leaving the top attached; press to fan | Garnish |
| Diced | Slice, then cross-cut | Salsa, toppings |
Tips for better strawberries
- Wash before hulling, so water doesn't soak into the berry.
- Cut just before serving; cut berries release juice.
- Macerate for desserts: toss sliced berries with a little sugar and let them sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife. A dull edge crushes soft fruit.
Our picks
Paring Knife 3.5", Shogun Series, ELITE ($99). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish.
Paring Knife 3.5", Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($35). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Santoku Knife 7", Gladiator Series, Elite, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified. For slicing large batches quickly.
Storage
Store whole, unwashed berries in the fridge in a single layer on a paper towel. Wash and cut only what you'll eat.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you cut strawberries?
Rinse, hull by cutting a small cone around the stem, then halve, quarter or slice. A sharp paring knife like the Dalstrong Shogun Series 3.75" Paring Knife ($99) slices without crushing.
How do you hull a strawberry?
Insert a paring knife beside the stem at an angle and rotate the berry to cut out a small cone.
Should you wash strawberries before cutting?
Yes, wash them whole before hulling so water doesn't soak in.
How far ahead can you cut strawberries?
Ideally right before serving; cut berries soften and release juice within hours.
